This means that you can have the virus without knowing, and spread it without the need for coughing or sneezing, potentially infecting others who will go on to develop far more serious symptoms.
Wearing a mask is a cheap and easy insurance policy against these scenarios.
Additionally as many as 50% of people who test positive for COVID-19 have virtually no symptoms: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/50-percent-of-people-...
This means that you can have the virus without knowing, and spread it without the need for coughing or sneezing, potentially infecting others who will go on to develop far more serious symptoms.
Wearing a mask is a cheap and easy insurance policy against these scenarios.